Jakob Kainz | University of Vienna (original) (raw)

Papers by Jakob Kainz

Digital Methods and Remote Sensing in Archaeology, 2016

The aim of this paper is to present an approach combining archaeological excavation with geophysi... more The aim of this paper is to present an approach combining archaeological excavation with geophysical prospection. This is achieved by a combination of magnetometry, magnetic susceptibility, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and pXRF measurements, on archaeological features before and during excavation. Soil properties, such as soil colour, organic content, pH, magnetic susceptibility, chemistry and composition are influenced by natural and human activities and these changes can be identified by various prospection methods. The data was collected at the Middle Neolithic circular ditched enclosure (Kreisgrabenanlage, KGA) at Hornsburg, Austria in the Kreuttal area, which is a case study area of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology (LBI Arch Pro, http://archpro.lbg.ac.at/). Archaeological prospection in the majority of cases is carried out prior to excavation, in order to map the archaeology for the excavation or for planning procedures. The full archaeological potential of the various prospection methods therefore is not attained; as these measurements can help corroborate excavation results as well as providing further archaeological data that cannot be seen by the excavator’s eye. Furthermore, excavations provide an opportunity to investigate specific anomalies allowing for an examination of the processes, whether human or natural, influencing the prospectability or non-prospectability of these features. This can provide a link between past human actions and specific anomaly signatures, adding further archaeological interpretation to the prospection data as well as providing a greater archaeological insight during and after the excavation. Data analysis is still ongoing, so the paper will mainly focus on preliminary results obtained from the magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Additionally smaller contributions from GPR, aerial photographs and orthophotos are presented here whilst future publications will integrate these alongside ultraviolet and infrared photographs and pXRF measurements.

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2018

Abstract The magnetic characteristics of soil, sediments and archaeological deposits are environm... more Abstract The magnetic characteristics of soil, sediments and archaeological deposits are environmentally sensitive, and can therefore be used to understand formation processes at archaeological sites. The magnetic susceptibility (MS) of a material indicates the concentration of magnetic inclusions of a sample. This depends on the concentration of magnetic grains but also on the composition of the magnetic mineralogy as the size of those grains. The grain size relates to the size-dependent magnetic domain state, which vary from thermally unstable ultrafine superparamagnetic (SP) grains to stable single-domain (SD) and pseudo-single-domain (PSD) grains to large multi-domain (MD) grains. Standard dual frequency measurements (χFD), magnetic susceptibility measurements at two different frequencies, are applied to semi-quantitatively evaluate a sample's SP inclusion. Other methods are used to quantitatively evaluate the magnetic grain size distribution (GSD) of a sample. Recently, magnetic susceptibility meters are available permitting broad-band magnetic susceptibility (BBMS) measurements to be made over a large spectrum of frequencies. This allows quantifying a narrow GSD of SP grains based on their frequency-dependency. Although novel in archaeology, such measurements have been applied in a handful of environmental studies in recent years concerning loess deposits in China and Bulgaria as well as ceramics in a study from the Czech Republic. To assess the applicability of BBMS in archaeology, soil samples were taken from a ditch at the middle-Neolithic Circular Ditched Enclosure, Hornsburg I, Lower Austria. The samples were measured with the University of Toronto Electromagnetic Induction Spectrometer (UTEMIS II). Measurements at different frequencies, ranging between 140 Hz to 63 kHz, allowed the calculation of the samples' GSD's, the grain sizes' mean, standard deviation and range as well as the frequency dependence. These can be used to understand a sites or features soil formation history, as archaeological deposits often exhibit enhanced magnetic properties that are distinct from surrounding non-anthropogenic soils, sediments and deposits. Therefore understanding how these contrasts relate to the changes in magnetic concentration, composition and grain size can provide indispensable information towards the formation processes and post-depositional changes at an archaeological site. The results of the study show promise for BBMS studies being a useful tool for differentiating different soils, sediments and archaeological deposits and thus reflecting the different archaeological phases and soil formation processes within the examined ditch. This provides for a better understanding of the depositional and post-depositional processes of the ditch deposits allowing for further archaeological assessment and offering additional applicability for a wide range of archaeological fields.

Archaeological Prospection, 2018

Traditionally, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) measurements for near‐surface geophysical archaeolo... more Traditionally, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) measurements for near‐surface geophysical archaeological prospection are conducted with single‐channel systems using GPR antennae mounted in a cart similar to a pushchair, or towed like a sledge behind the operator. The spatial data sampling of such GPR devices for the non‐invasive detection and investigation of buried cultural heritage was, with very few exceptions, at best 25 cm in cross‐line direction of the measurement. With two or three persons participating in the fieldwork, coverage rates between a quarter hectare and half a hectare per day are common, while frequently considerably smaller survey areas at often coarse measurement spacing have been reported. Over the past years, the advent of novel multi‐channel GPR antenna array systems has permitted an enormous increase in survey efficiency and spatial sampling resolution. Using GPR antenna arrays with up to 16 channels operating in parallel, in combination with automatic positioning solutions based on real‐time kinematic global navigation satellite systems or robotic total‐stations, it has become possible to map several hectares per day with as little as 8 cm cross‐line and 4 cm in‐line GPR trace spacing. While this dramatic increase in coverage rate has a positive effect on the reduction of costs of GPR surveys, and thus its more widespread use in archaeology, the increased spatial sampling for the first time allows for the high‐resolution imaging of relatively small archaeological structures, such as for example 25 cm wide post‐holes of Iron Age buildings or the brick pillars of Roman floor heating systems, permitting much improved archaeological interpretations of the collected data. We present the state‐of‐the‐art in large‐scale high‐resolution archaeological GPR prospection, covering hardware and software technology and fieldwork methodology as well as the closely related issues of processing and interpretation of the huge data sets. Application examples from selected European archaeological sites illustrate the progress made.

Archaeological Prospection, 2018

Carnuntum Jahrbuch, 2018

Over the course of four years (2012–2015) the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prosp... more Over the course of four years (2012–2015) the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archeology (LBI ArchPro), in collaboration with the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) and on behalf of the provincial government of Lower Austria, has conducted the comprehensive, non-invasive archaeological prospection project entitled “ArchPro Carnuntum”. The purpose of this project has been to generate a basis for future archaeological research and the sustainable spatial planning and cultural heritage management in the area. By combining new information on buried archaeology using different aerial and ground-based archaeological prospection methods and a thorough archaeological interpretation of the combined data within the framework of a GIS environment, it was possible to document Carnuntum’s archaeological heritage, which is threatened by a dramatic increase in erosion and destruction through ploughing, infrastructure development and looting by treasure hunters. In total, an area covering eight square kilometres was explored at very high sampling resolution using magnetic prospection methods, while 2.5 square kilometres were mapped with ultra-high resolution ground-penetrating radar measurements. The results of the project and the spatio-temporal analysis and interpretation of the prospection data are presented here as a preliminary report.

Carnuntum Jahrbuch

Over the course of four years (2012–2015) the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prosp... more Over the course of four years (2012–2015) the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology (LBI ArchPro), in collaboration with the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) and on behalf of the provincial government of Lower Austria, has conducted the comprehensive, non-invasive archaeological prospection project entitled “ArchPro Carnuntum”. The purpose of this project has been to generate a basis for future archaeological research and the sustainable spatial planning and cultural heritage management in the area. By combining new information on buried archaeology using different aerial and ground-based archaeological prospection methods and a thorough archaeological interpretation of the combined data within the framework of a GIS environment, it was possible to document Carnuntum’s archaeological heritage, which is threatened by a dramatic increase in erosion and destruction through ploughing, infrastructure development and looting by treasure hunters. In total, an area covering eight square kilometres was explored at very high sampling resolution using magnetic prospection methods, while 2.5 square kilometres were mapped with ultra-high resolution ground-penetrating radar measurements. The results of the project and the spatio-temporal analysis and interpretation of the prospection data are presented here as a preliminary report.

Archaeological Prospection 25 (3), 2018

Carnuntum Jahrbuch, 2018

Over the course of four years (2012–2015) the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prosp... more Over the course of four years (2012–2015) the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology (LBI ArchPro), in collaboration with the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) and on behalf of the provincial government of Lower Austria, has conducted the comprehensive, non-invasive archaeological prospection project entitled “ArchPro Carnuntum”. The purpose of this project has been to generate a basis for future archaeological research and the sustainable spatial planning and cultural heritage management in the area. By combining new information on buried archaeology using different aerial and ground-based archaeological prospection methods and a thorough archaeological interpretation of the combined data within the framework of a GIS environment, it was possible to document Carnuntum’s archaeological heritage, which is threatened by a dramatic increase in erosion and destruction through ploughing, infrastructure development and looting by treasure hunters. In total, an area covering eight square kilometres was explored at very high sampling resolution using magnetic prospection methods, while 2.5 square kilometres were mapped with ultra-high resolution ground-penetrating radar measurements. The results of the project and the spatio-temporal analysis and interpretation of the prospection data are presented here as a preliminary report.

Since 2010 the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project (SHLP) has undertaken extensive archaeologica... more Since 2010 the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project (SHLP) has undertaken extensive archaeological prospection across much of the landscape surrounding Stonehenge. These remote sensing and geophysical surveys have revealed a significant number of new sites and landscape features whilst providing new information on many previously known monuments. The project goal to integrate multimethod mapping over large areas of the landscape has also provided opportunities to re‐interpret the landscape context of individual monuments and, in the case of the major henge at Durrington Walls, to generate novel insights into the structure and sequence of a monument which has attracted considerable research attention over many decades. This article outlines the recent work of the SHLP and the results of the survey at Durrington Walls that shed new light on this enigmatic monument including a site 'hidden' within the monument.

Journal of Archaeological Science Reports, 2018

The magnetic characteristics of soil, sediments and archaeological deposits are environmentally s... more The magnetic characteristics of soil, sediments and archaeological deposits are environmentally sensitive, and
can therefore be used to understand formation processes at archaeological sites. The magnetic susceptibility
(MS) of a material indicates the concentration of magnetic inclusions of a sample. This depends on the concentration
of magnetic grains but also on the composition of the magnetic mineralogy as the size of those grains.
The grain size relates to the size-dependent magnetic domain state, which vary from thermally unstable ultrafine
superparamagnetic (SP) grains to stable single-domain (SD) and pseudo-single-domain (PSD) grains to large
multi-domain (MD) grains. Standard dual frequency measurements (χFD), magnetic susceptibility measurements
at two different frequencies, are applied to semi-quantitatively evaluate a sample's SP inclusion. Other methods
are used to quantitatively evaluate the magnetic grain size distribution (GSD) of a sample. Recently, magnetic
susceptibility meters are available permitting broad-band magnetic susceptibility (BBMS) measurements to be
made over a large spectrum of frequencies. This allows quantifying a narrow GSD of SP grains based on their
frequency-dependency. Although novel in archaeology, such measurements have been applied in a handful of
environmental studies in recent years concerning loess deposits in China and Bulgaria as well as ceramics in a
study from the Czech Republic. To assess the applicability of BBMS in archaeology, soil samples were taken from
a ditch at the middle-Neolithic Circular Ditched Enclosure, Hornsburg I, Lower Austria. The samples were
measured with the University of Toronto Electromagnetic Induction Spectrometer (UTEMIS II). Measurements at
different frequencies, ranging between 140 Hz to 63 kHz, allowed the calculation of the samples' GSD's, the grain
sizes' mean, standard deviation and range as well as the frequency dependence. These can be used to understand
a sites or features soil formation history, as archaeological deposits often exhibit enhanced magnetic properties
that are distinct from surrounding non-anthropogenic soils, sediments and deposits. Therefore understanding
how these contrasts relate to the changes in magnetic concentration, composition and grain size can provide
indispensable information towards the formation processes and post-depositional changes at an archaeological
site. The results of the study show promise for BBMS studies being a useful tool for differentiating different soils,
sediments and archaeological deposits and thus reflecting the different archaeological phases and soil formation
processes within the examined ditch. This provides for a better understanding of the depositional and postdepositional
processes of the ditch deposits allowing for further archaeological assessment and offering additional
applicability for a wide range of archaeological fields.

Since 2010 the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project (SHLP) has undertaken extensive arch... more Since 2010 the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project (SHLP) has undertaken extensive archaeological prospection across much of the landscape
surrounding Stonehenge. The sheer scale, resolution and complexity of the data produced are unprecedented. The results range from discoveries of new prehistoric monuments to the very detailed mapping of extensive multi-period field-systems and modern complexes such as Royal Air Force Stonehenge. Inevitably, there is particular interest in the landscape context of Stonehenge itself from the 3rd millennium BC, our knowledge of which has greatly increased as a result of the project. In this interpretative context, the significance of the Durrington Walls ‘super-henge ́, located c. 3 km to the north-east of Stonehenge, cannot be overrated.

The roughly circular henge enclosure consists of an internal ditch up to 5.5m deep and 18m wide, and an external chalk rubble bank surviving up to 1.5m high and up to c. 32m wide, with an overall diameter of c. 480 metres. It encloses a number of other structures, including two timber circles excavated by Wainwright on the east side of the enclosure (Wainwright and Longworth 1971, 204-34).

The ‘Stonehenge Riverside Project’ investigations have significantly changed our understanding of the monument. It is now clear that a settlement existed prior to the henge construction, dated to c. 2525-2440 BC, and it has been suggested that it was inhabited by up to 4000 people (Parker Pearson 2012, 109-111), although this extrapolation of the excavated south-east entrance area data is conjectural and direct evidence for wider occupation is limited.

Books by Jakob Kainz

Im Zuge der Kooperation des Landschaftsverbandes Westfalen-Lippe mit dem Ludwig Boltzmann Institu... more Im Zuge der Kooperation des Landschaftsverbandes Westfalen-Lippe mit dem Ludwig Boltzmann Institute für Archäologische Prospektion und Virtuelle Archäologie (LBI ArchPro, archpro.lbg.ac.at/) wurden im August 2016 in der Warburger Börde, Kreis Höxter auf 110 Hektar Magnetik- und auf 17 Hektar Bodenradarmessungen im Bereich von drei Fundstellen durchgeführt. Als Testobjekte wurden Anlagen ausgewählt, die durch unterschiedliche Bodenvariablen geeignet erschienen. Hierzu zählen eine von Luftbildern bekannte Anlage der Michelsberger Kultur in Borgentreich-Eißen, Kreis Höxter, ein mutmaßliches linienbandkeramisches Gräberfeld am Desenberg bei Warburg, der Bereich einer bekannten linienbandkeramischen Siedlung in Borgentreich-Großeneder, Kreis Höxter und das Gebiet eines linienbandkeramischen Gräberfeldes in Warburg-Hohenwepel. Die Kartierung der Ergebnisse der großflächigen Magnetogramme lieferte die Datenbasis für weitere Analysen. Die Bodenradarmessungen wurden als Test in ausgewählten Bereichen durchgeführt und erbrachten gute Resultate bei der Michelsberger Anlage.

Die zerstörungsfreie Erforschung archäologischer Fundstellen mit geophysikalischen Methoden ist h... more Die zerstörungsfreie Erforschung archäologischer Fundstellen mit geophysikalischen Methoden ist heutzutage ein wichtiges Instrument der Bodendenkmalpflege (Fassbinder 2015). Die Dokumentation und Inventarisierung von Bodendenkmälern gehört in den meisten europäischen Ländern zu den Aufgaben der Bodendenkmalpflege. Das archäologische Erbe beschränkt sich nicht nur auf erhaltene architektonische Denkmäler oder obertägig sichtbare Strukturen wie Wälle, Gräben und Grabhügel, sondern besteht vielmehr aus Fundstellen die unentdeckt im Boden verborgen liegen. Diese werden, oft zufällig bei größeren Eingriffen oder durch Oberflächenfunde entdeckt. Die Luftbildarchäologie, erlaubte als erstes dieses Potenzial großflächig auszuschöpfen. Durch großräumige Befliegung und Luftbildauswertung gelang es Fundstellen systematisch zu entdecken und zu dokumentieren (Braasch 1996; Doneus 2013). Mit zunehmendem Wissen zeigte sich auch, dass in den meisten Regionen das archäologische Erbe in steigendem Ausmaß großflächig gefährdet und zerstört wird (Neubauer 2001). Den wahren Grad der Gefährdung und Zerstörung dieser teilweise nicht erforschten Bodendenkmäler kann nur geschätzt werden, da genauere Angaben zur Ausdehnung und Art der Bodendenkmäler fehlen

Quantitative Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences Digital Methods and Remote Sensing in Archaeology Archaeology in the Age of Sensing, 2016

The aim of this paper is to present an approach combining archaeological excavation with geophysi... more The aim of this paper is to present an approach combining archaeological
excavation with geophysical prospection. This is achieved by a combination of
magnetometry, magnetic susceptibility, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and pXRF
measurements, on archaeological features before and during excavation. Soil
properties, such as soil colour, organic content, pH, magnetic susceptibility,
chemistry and composition are influenced by natural and human activities and these
changes can be identified by various prospection methods. The data was collected at
the Middle Neolithic circular ditched enclosure (Kreisgrabenanlage, KGA) at
Hornsburg, Austria in the Kreuttal area, which is a case study area of the Ludwig
Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology (LBI
Arch Pro, http://archpro.lbg.ac.at/). Archaeological prospection in the majority of
cases is carried out prior to excavation, in order to map the archaeology for the
excavation or for planning procedures. The full archaeological potential of the
various prospection methods therefore is not attained; as these measurements can
help corroborate excavation results as well as providing further archaeological data
that cannot be seen by the excavator’s eye. Furthermore, excavations provide an
opportunity to investigate specific anomalies allowing for an examination of the
processes, whether human or natural, influencing the prospectability or
non-prospectability of these features. This can provide a link between past human
actions and specific anomaly signatures, adding further archaeological interpretation
to the prospection data as well as providing a greater archaeological insight during
and after the excavation. Data analysis is still ongoing, so the paper will mainly focus
on preliminary results obtained from the magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility
measurements. Additionally smaller contributions from GPR, aerial photographs
and orthophotos are presented here whilst future publications will integrate these
alongside ultraviolet and infrared photographs and pXRF measurements.

Conference Presentations by Jakob Kainz

From large to small scale archaeological prospection at landscape, site and feature scale

Digital Methods and Remote Sensing in Archaeology, 2016

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2018

Archaeological Prospection, 2018

Carnuntum Jahrbuch, 2018

Carnuntum Jahrbuch

Over the course of four years (2012–2015) the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prosp... more Over the course of four years (2012–2015) the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology (LBI ArchPro), in collaboration with the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) and on behalf of the provincial government of Lower Austria, has conducted the comprehensive, non-invasive archaeological prospection project entitled “ArchPro Carnuntum”. The purpose of this project has been to generate a basis for future archaeological research and the sustainable spatial planning and cultural heritage management in the area. By combining new information on buried archaeology using different aerial and ground-based archaeological prospection methods and a thorough archaeological interpretation of the combined data within the framework of a GIS environment, it was possible to document Carnuntum’s archaeological heritage, which is threatened by a dramatic increase in erosion and destruction through ploughing, infrastructure development and looting by treasure hunters. In total, an area covering eight square kilometres was explored at very high sampling resolution using magnetic prospection methods, while 2.5 square kilometres were mapped with ultra-high resolution ground-penetrating radar measurements. The results of the project and the spatio-temporal analysis and interpretation of the prospection data are presented here as a preliminary report.

Archaeological Prospection 25 (3), 2018

Carnuntum Jahrbuch, 2018

Over the course of four years (2012–2015) the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prosp... more Over the course of four years (2012–2015) the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology (LBI ArchPro), in collaboration with the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) and on behalf of the provincial government of Lower Austria, has conducted the comprehensive, non-invasive archaeological prospection project entitled “ArchPro Carnuntum”. The purpose of this project has been to generate a basis for future archaeological research and the sustainable spatial planning and cultural heritage management in the area. By combining new information on buried archaeology using different aerial and ground-based archaeological prospection methods and a thorough archaeological interpretation of the combined data within the framework of a GIS environment, it was possible to document Carnuntum’s archaeological heritage, which is threatened by a dramatic increase in erosion and destruction through ploughing, infrastructure development and looting by treasure hunters. In total, an area covering eight square kilometres was explored at very high sampling resolution using magnetic prospection methods, while 2.5 square kilometres were mapped with ultra-high resolution ground-penetrating radar measurements. The results of the project and the spatio-temporal analysis and interpretation of the prospection data are presented here as a preliminary report.

Journal of Archaeological Science Reports, 2018

Quantitative Methods in the Humanities and Social Sciences Digital Methods and Remote Sensing in Archaeology Archaeology in the Age of Sensing, 2016

The aim of this paper is to present an approach combining archaeological excavation with geophysi... more The aim of this paper is to present an approach combining archaeological
excavation with geophysical prospection. This is achieved by a combination of
magnetometry, magnetic susceptibility, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and pXRF
measurements, on archaeological features before and during excavation. Soil
properties, such as soil colour, organic content, pH, magnetic susceptibility,
chemistry and composition are influenced by natural and human activities and these
changes can be identified by various prospection methods. The data was collected at
the Middle Neolithic circular ditched enclosure (Kreisgrabenanlage, KGA) at
Hornsburg, Austria in the Kreuttal area, which is a case study area of the Ludwig
Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology (LBI
Arch Pro, http://archpro.lbg.ac.at/). Archaeological prospection in the majority of
cases is carried out prior to excavation, in order to map the archaeology for the
excavation or for planning procedures. The full archaeological potential of the
various prospection methods therefore is not attained; as these measurements can
help corroborate excavation results as well as providing further archaeological data
that cannot be seen by the excavator’s eye. Furthermore, excavations provide an
opportunity to investigate specific anomalies allowing for an examination of the
processes, whether human or natural, influencing the prospectability or
non-prospectability of these features. This can provide a link between past human
actions and specific anomaly signatures, adding further archaeological interpretation
to the prospection data as well as providing a greater archaeological insight during
and after the excavation. Data analysis is still ongoing, so the paper will mainly focus
on preliminary results obtained from the magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility
measurements. Additionally smaller contributions from GPR, aerial photographs
and orthophotos are presented here whilst future publications will integrate these
alongside ultraviolet and infrared photographs and pXRF measurements.

From large to small scale archaeological prospection at landscape, site and feature scale